Spring Break Staycation Ideas

When people say they’re taking a staycation, most of us jump to the conclusion that they’re going to be curled up watching Netflix and eating takeout for the next seven days. While this is a perfectly acceptable way to spend a staycation, the Merriam-Webster definition is “a vacation spent at home or nearby” – and this article is going to focus on the ”nearby” aspect and making the most of it!

Setting a Budget

A main reason people take a staycation is to save money and not pay for expensive flights and hotels. By staying in your hometown, you’re already cutting down on costs. This is important because it allows you to spend a little more than you usually would in your own city. According to a 2013 survey by American Express, the average vacation for a family of four costs just over $4,500. Now cut that in half and imagine everything you could do around your city with $2,250. Even if you don’t want to spend that much, it’s important to get out and treat yourself to a nice dinner or overnight stay in a nice hotel. Explore a little!

In order to get you started on this exploratory path, here are a few themes for planning your staycation.

Expand Your Entertainment Appetite

You can go see some good entertainment without traveling all the way to Broadway (although if you live in New York, absolutely take advantage of the mecca of theater and music that surrounds you).

For the amount you would normally spend on a hotel and travel, you can see several plays and concerts in your area if you so choose. If you’re looking to do this even cheaper, you can go see a matinees or even a high school production.

If you feel more like staying home all day in your pajamas under a blanket (and who among us hasn’t had that feeling?), I suggest checking out the streaming services or a good book. To add a little spice to this, you can organize your content consumption around a theme like “Romantic Comedies of the 90s” or “Let’s Watch Every Rocky Movie Ever Made in 72 Hours or Less.” I have a fantasy about going back and rereading all the Harry Potter books straight through, but I don’t think my staycation would be long enough for that.

Expand Your Mind

You don’t have to go to the Smithsonian to learn the history of this great nation. You can start by visiting the historical sites in your own backyard. Detroit is the home of motors and Motown. San Antonio is the site of the Alamo. Northern California has various sites that can transport you back to the time of the gold rush.

Outside of museums, you can go visit art, wildlife or science centers in your area. There are a lot of really cool things you might discover.

Explore the Great Outdoors

Cities across the country have great park systems and trails that just beg to have their nooks and crannies explored. Whether on foot or by bike, the trail systems often offer at least a full day’s worth of adventure on their own.

The parks also often have pavilions where you can plan a picnic. Some of these even have charcoal grills so you can do some barbecuing.

The great thing about a staycation is there is no pressure to do anything, and all the freedom to do whatever you want!

When planning your staycation, keep it fun and light and don’t be afraid to spend a little money. There are no rules for a staycation, which will honestly be the most stress-free vacation you’ve had in years. Are you taking a staycation this year or have you taken one in the past? Feel free to comment below and throw some ideas in the pot!

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